A Word to the Public
Disclaimer: I do not own FMAB
So here's the second chapter I told you about. Again, sorry it's short. Been busy with work and school. Gonna try to make this next week count, but since I'm working on two stories, it proves to be a bit challenging.
Enjoy!
6 months later
Winry and May, along with their two boys, were braving the cold December day when they passed a news stand.
"So did you hear, Rick got that gig?" One of the men said.
"What gig?" The other asked. The women were interested into what they were even talking about.
"He and a few other get to go to the military bases and interview the soldiers." The man exclaimed.
"What's the point, they can't give out too much info." The other grumbled.
"That's why not all of the questions will be military based. Just a few statistical questions on that and all that mumbo. But we want to know them, not just as soldiers, but as humans. Fuhrer Grumman allowed it this morning and the reporters are on their way already. He made sure that they not take pictures of the battle area and not to go to the field. Something about it being too violent for the public." The man said.
"What about the infirmary?" The other asked.
"He said that was permitted. We can't have any pictures of the actual battle because that might cause some radicals to act up again, and with how our situation is, that would be hell." The man said. Winry and May looked at one another, exchanging a look that only friends could decipher before they continued on their way.
2 days later
The reporters arrived to the battle field and the smell of sulfur and smoke attack their nostrils.
"Remember, we're here for a few weeks at most and we are to stay away from the battle field." One of them, Rick, reminded before a sudden explosion went off not too far away. The dancing lights could only mean it was an alchemist. They went to their area where there were a few soldiers sitting down and started to ask questions immediately. The soldiers looked relieved when they asked them about some of their personal things instead of all about the war, asking them what their main jobs were back at home, their family life, and etcetera.
"And Miss Kran, who is your commanding officer?" A reporter asked.
"Colonel Edward Elric, state alchemist." Amy said. The reporter's jaw nearly dropped.
"But he's just barely twenty years old." The reporter exclaimed.
"Yes, but he had previous military experience before." Amy said. Rick over heard the conversation and rushed over.
"Where can I find this Colonel Edward Elric?" he asked.
"He's on the field right now. Both he and his brother Major Alphonse Elric." Amy said. Just then, the two men entered the area, heads held high. The reporters had to really look at them to make sure they were the two they were looking for. Ed looked like he was just a few years older than he really was, at least his eyes did, sharp, angled, acute to everything going on yet almost void of emotion. His lips were set straight and his jaw was set.
"That's him." Amy smirked at their expressions.
"He looks older in his eyes and the way he walks, but not much, most people would generally guess he's twenty one or two." Alexander Marks chuckled. Rick walked over to Ed and Al, pen and pad out and engaged them in conversation, asking the usual bout of military related question, which Ed answered as well as he could.
"Now I have some personal questions for you." Rick said.
"Go ahead." Al said.
"What are some of your hobbies back home?" Rick asked.
"Portraiture." Ed replied.
"Sculpting." Al smiled.
"So you're both interested in the arts. Any favorite locations back home?" He asked.
"The park." Al smiled.
"That and the library." Ed smirked.
"Alright. Any special occasions coming up?" Rick asked.
"In March my son's birthday." Ed thought aloud.
"You have a son?" Rick asked.
"I know, I'm young, but yes. My wife back home has been doing wonderful from what her letters tell me and our firstborn son will be turning one in March." Ed replied.
"Is she your teenage sweetheart?" Rick asked.
"Childhood." Ed replied casually.
"Wonderful. And what about you Al?" Rick asked.
"My son will be turning one in April." Al replied before being asked to go into more detail.
"I won't ask for their names, because I know I wouldn't get them, but I know that once they read this article, they'll be pleased." Rick said sincerely before going on to the next few soldiers. Another reporter walked up to Ed.
"A word to the public about the progress about the war. A statement will do." She said.
"Yes. Please support us for we will support you, protect you, and make sure that any nation that thinks they can take on Amestris will think twice before doing so, after all, we defeated Drachma with ease, we can certainly take on these other less advanced and less manned nations." Ed said before walking off as the reporter stared in awe.
Again, sorry about the shortness, but all the same, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'll try to make a longer chapter for next week, but until then, please, R&R.